Cambridge City Council meeting - April 2, 2018 - AGENDA
CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA
1. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Homeless Youth Count grant funded by the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) in the amount of $5,000.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($750.00) and to the Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($4,250.00) which will be used for costs related to conducting a count and survey of unaccompanied homeless youth in partnership with youth service providers (Youth on Fire, Y2Y Harvard Square, Bridge Over Troubled Waters) between Apr 23-May 13, 2018.
Order Adopted 9-0
2. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the transfer of funds of the HUD Planning Grant from the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account in the amount of $5,000.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Travel and Training account which will facilitate staff attendance at the national Housing First Partners conference and an unanticipated HUD mandated Rapid Rehousing conference.
Order Adopted 9-0
3. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the transfer of funds of the HUD HMIS (Homeless Management Information System) Grant from the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Travel and Training account in the amount of $1,163.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will be used to help support the ongoing development of our HMIS system.
Order Adopted 9-0
4. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the reappointment of the following person as a Constable With Power for a term of three years, effective the first day of January, 2018: Charles Durrah.
Placed on File
5. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following person as a member of the Cambridge Health Alliance Board as a Cambridge representative effective Apr 9, 2018 for a term to expire on June 30, 2020: Dr. Susanne A. Martz.
Placed on File
Apr 2, 2018
To the Honorable, the City Council:I am hereby transmitting the appointment of the following person as a new member of the Cambridge Health Alliance Board as a Cambridge representative effective Apr 9, 2018 for a term to expire on June 30, 2020.
Dr. Susanne A. Martz:
Dr. Martz recently retired as the Senior Vice President/Head of Vaccines for GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) in which she was responsible for all aspects of quality management for the GSK vaccines worldwide. Prior to GSK, she served in leadership positions in quality for Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Inc., Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and Bausch and Lomb Pharmaceuticals.While at Novartis, and subsequently GSK, Dr. Martz developed the strategy and provided executive leadership for the integration of Novartis Vaccines business units into the GSK vaccines business unit for all aspects related to Quality with focus on the delivery of synergies and improved processes of the combined units. She also a successful track record in building high performing leadership teams and bridging cultures as part of integrating two workforces, as well as built and implemented succession plans. She has directed many regulatory and compliance activities.
She received her pharmacist degree and her PhD in Analytical Chemistry from Freie Universität Berlin, Germany.
Very truly yours, Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager
6. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) through the City of Boston’s Office of Emergency Management for $9,495.00 to the Public Investment Fund Fire Extraordinary Expenditures account for the installation of infrastructure enhancement projects at various sites.
Order Adopted 9-0
7. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) through the City of Boston’s Office of Emergency Management for $62,500.00 to the Public Investment Fund Fire Extraordinary Expenditures account for the ongoing installation of infrastructure enhancement projects at various sites.
Order Adopted 9-0
8. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the State Executive Office of Public Safety, Department of Fire Services for $187,500 to the Grant Fund Fire Extraordinary Expenditures account which will be used for hazmat responders’ personal protective equipment including replacement and additions to level A entry suits, Class 2 WMD suits and respiratory protection.
Order Adopted 9-0
9. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a Homeland Security Grant from the City of Boston for $21,194.08 to the Grant Fund Fire Salary and Wages account which is a reimbursement for trainings performed in conjunction with the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI).
Order Adopted 9-0
10. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 18-33, regarding a report on whether or not Chapter 4.25 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance applies to the Inman Square redesign project and therefore whether or not a report should be made to the Planning Board.
Tabled (Toomey - NO)
Apr 2, 2018
To the Honorable, the City Council:Please find attached a response to Awaiting Report Item Number 18-33, regarding a report on whether or not Chapter 4.25 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance applies to the Inman Square redesign project and therefore whether or not a report should be made to the Planning Board, received from City Solicitor Nancy E. Glowa.
Very truly yours, Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager
CITY OF CAMBRIDGE
Office of the City Solicitor
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139April 2, 2018
Louis A. DePasquale
City Manager
City Hall
Cambridge, MA 02139Re: Response to Awaiting Report Number 18-33; Policy Order Resolution No. O-6 of 3/5/18 Re: Report on whether or not Chapter 4.25 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance applies to the Inman Square redesign project and therefore whether or not a report should be made to the Planning Board.
Dear Mr. DePasquale:
This will respond to the above referenced Council Order, in which the City Council requested that the City Manager seek a legal opinion from this office on the issue of "whether or not Chapter 4.25 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance applies to the Inman Square redesign project and therefore whether or not a report should be made to the Planning Board."
I. BACKGROUND
The City acquired land that currently makes up Mayor Alfred E. Vellucci Community Plaza ("Vellucci Plaza") pursuant to an eminent domain taking in or about January, 1980. The land was taken by the City for "recreation and open space purposes". The deed describing the parcel as "public recreation open space" was recorded in the Middlesex Registry of Deeds on February 8, 1980. Vellucci Plaza as it exists today was redesigned and improved in 2006 and has a total area of approximately 6,480 square feet.
In or about October, 2016, the City initiated the Inman Square Intersection Safety Improvement Project (the "Project") which consists of designing and constructing physical improvements to Inman Square in order to address concerns about public safety particularly related to pedestrian, bicycle and automobile safety. The proposed design would reduce the size of the current Vellucci Plaza but would create a new Vellucci Plaza, on the opposite side of Hampshire Street adjacent to existing retail uses. It would also result in Hampshire Street being rerouted through a portion of Vellucci Plaza at its current location. The proposed redesign of Vellucci Plaza will include a number of amenities for the public but will not include construction of any building or structure.
II. LEGAL ANALYSIS
A. Approvals Required for the Project
Vellucci Plaza was taken by the City for a purpose (public open space) protected by Article 97 of the Amendments to the Massachusetts Constitution ("Article 97"), and as such is subject to the protections of Article 97. Therefore, it is likely that if a road is constructed through a portion of Vellucci Plaza at its current site, legislative approval will be required. Although the construction of a roadway on land protected by Article 97 requires legislative approval, it does not require relief from the provisions of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance ("Zoning Ordinance"). See e.g. Harrison v. Textron, Inc. 367 Mass. 540, 549 (1975) ("Although a municipality is subject to its own zoning regulations, (citations omitted) we know of no authority for the proposition that a public way, laid out by municipal action, pursuant to statute, may be used only for purposes permitted in the zoning district in which the public way lies"). See also, Harrison v. Braintree, 355 Mass. 656, 657 (1969) ("The town is not in a straightjacket. It may lay out public ways"). Therefore, as with any roadway used and maintained as a public way, the City is not required to obtain relief from the Zoning Ordinance in order to lay out and construct the roadway that is proposed to be rerouted through Vellucci Plaza.
B. Section 4.25 of the Zoning Ordinance is Not Applicable to the Project
The Zoning Act, G.L. c. 40A ("Chapter 40A") authorizes cities and towns to enact regulations for any purpose that affects the public health, safety, morals, or the general welfare. The Zoning Act also sets forth limits on the exercise of zoning power by municipalities. See, SCIT, Inc. v. Planning Board of Braintree, 19 Mass. App. Ct. 101 , 108 (1984). Pursuant to Chapter 40A, cities and towns in Massachusetts are permitted to regulate the use of land, wetlands and flood plains, the size, height, bulk, location and use of buildings or structures, areas and dimension of open space and intensity of use, among other things.
Chapter 40A, § 4, also referred to as the "Uniformity Provision" of the Zoning Act requires that "[a]ny zoning ordinance or by-law which divides cities or towns into districts shall be uniform within the district for each class or kind of structures or uses permitted." The Supreme Judicial Court has stated that the basic assumption of Section 4 is that "[e]ach land use will have a predictable character and that the uses of land can be sorted out into compatible groupings." See Leahy v. Inspector of Bldgs of New Bedford, 308 Mass. 128, 132 (1941).
Pursuant to the authority granted by the Zoning Act to cities and towns, Cambridge, through its Zoning Ordinance, regulates the height and size of buildings and structures, the size and width of lots, yards and open spaces and the location and use of buildings, structures and land within the zoning districts that Cambridge has established. Article 4 of the Zoning Ordinance sets forth permissible uses within each zoning district. A use that is not permissible as of right in a particular zoning district may be permitted pursuant to the grant of a special permit. However, as set forth above, the City may lay out public ways in any zoning district without obtaining zoning approval.
While section 4.25 of the Zoning Ordinance sets forth a procedure for review of "[g]ovemmental and institutional non-open space development statutorily exempt from prohibition in designated Open Space Districts" and requires that "[a]ll uses in an Open Space District other than a park or recreation use permitted by Subsection 4.33.f shall comply with the procedural requirements of this Subsection prior to the issuance of any building or special permit, variance or other approval or before conveyance of any lot within the district"1 these procedural requirements are not applicable to the Project because the physical improvements and amenities that are being proposed in the redesign of Vellucci Plaza do not include construction of any building or structure that would require either a building permit, variance or special permit and the proposed Project does not include uses set forth in Section 4.33.f, (other than a public park).2 Thus the provisions of Section 4.25 of the Zoning Ordinance are not triggered by the Project.
1 Article 4, Section 4.25 provides as follows:
"Non Open Space Uses in Open Space Districts. The purpose of this section is to provide for public notification and review of governmental and institutional nonopen space development statutorily exempt from prohibition in designated Open Space Districts. All uses in an Open Space District other than a park or recreation use permitted by Subsection 4.33.f shall comply with the procedural requirements of this Subsection prior to the issuance of any building or special permit, variance or other approval or before conveyance of any lot within the district.
4.25.1 A report shall be submitted to the Planning Board and filed with the City Clerk by the agency or other party proposing such non open space development or proposing to convey a lot. This report shall include the following information, as appropriate:
(I) A map indicating the location and area of the land proposed for nonopen space development or for conveyance.
(2) A description of the proposed development and future use of the area including information concerning the proposed site plan, physical design, and user population.
(3) An analysis of alternative sites for the development outside of the district.
(4) Evaluation of the anticipated impacts of the development or property transfer on the remainder of the open space district, upon the abi lity of alternative park and recreation areas in the neighborhood and city to meet the needs served by the affected open space district which would be displaced by the proposed action, and upon other land uses in the neighborhood.
(5) Any other information reasonably determined pertinent by the Planning Board.
4.25.2 Within thirty (30) days of the receipt of a report required by Section 4.25.1, the Planning Board shall hold a public hearing concerning the proposed development or conveyance. Notice for the hearing shall
comply with the requirements of Section II , Chapter 40A, G.L.
4.25.3 The Planning Board shall prepare a report with recommendations concerning the proposed development or conveyance, including conditions that should be attached to such action. This report shall be filed with the City Clerk within thirty (30) days of the public hearing required in Section 4.25.2. Filing of such a report shall satisfy the requirements of this Section 4.25. Failure of the Board to file a report within thirty (30) days of the public hearing shall obviate any further actions under this Section 4.25."2 Article 4, Section 4.33 f of the Zoning Ordinance enumerates local government uses that are permitted as of right, by special permit or not permitted within each zoning district. The local government uses set forth in Article 4 Section 4.33.fare as follows: (I) Administrative Office; (2) Fire or Police Station; (3) Museum; (4) Municipal Service facility; (5) Public park, playground or recreation building; (6) Municipal library.
III. CONCLUSION
In my opinion, the proposed improvements and amenities to Vellucci Plaza including the proposed construction of a roadway are not governed by Chapter 40A or the Zoning Ordinance and as such Section 4.25, which requires a process for uses other than a park that are set forth in Section 4.33.f of the Zoning Ordinance, is not applicable to the project and a report to the Planning Board is not required.
Very truly yours, Nancy E. Glowa, City Solicitor
11. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 18-35, regarding applying to designate certain census tracts as Opportunity Zones.
Placed on File
Apr 2, 2018
To the Honorable, the City Council:Please find attached a response to Awaiting Report Item Number 18-35, regarding applying to designate certain census tracts as Opportunity Zones, received from Assistant City Manager for Community Development Iram Farooq.
Very truly yours, Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager
MEMORANDUM
To: Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager
From: Iram Farooq, Assistant City Manager for Community Development
Date: Mar 27, 2018
Re: Policy Order O-8 dated Mar 19, 2018 regarding applying to designate certain census tracts as Opportunity ZonesThe Commonwealth recently completed a process through which cities with qualified census tracts could nominate those tracts to be considered for designation as Opportunity Zones. Under the 2017 Tax Cut and Jobs Act, Opportunity Zones are areas in which tax-advantaged investment can be made for the benefit communities with lower income residents. As states can designate up to 25% of qualified census tracts as Opportunity Zones, up to 138 census tracts could be so designated in Massachusetts. The Governor must submit the list of census tracts to be designated as Opportunity Zones to the U.S. Treasury Department by April 19th.
The Opportunity Zone program offers tax incentives for investments to advance community development objectives in lower income communities. Investors with unrealized capital gains tax liability can defer and reduce this tax liability, and additionally avoid capital gains on investment returns in Opportunity Zones. Eligible investments are made in Opportunity Funds which can be used to make equity investments in real estate and equipment. Based on our experience with Low-Income Housing Tax Credit investment, we would expect that investing in Opportunity Zones in the city would be an attractive opportunity which could allow access to new capital which could assist with the affordable housing efforts in the city.
Opportunity Zone investments could, for example, assist the Cambridge Housing Authority with modernization efforts in the nominated tracts. On behalf of the City, CDD has nominated two tracts for consideration for Opportunity Zones designation, the maximum allowed in the city given how the Commonwealth will allocate Opportunity Zones among municipalities. We expect to know by the end of April if the Cambridge designations are included the Commonwealth’s recommendations.
CHARTER RIGHT
1. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department to compile a list of single family homes which could be purchased by the Affordable Housing Trust and converted to Single Room Occupancies or Housing Cooperatives.
Adopted 9-0 as Amended
Calendar Item #1 Apr 2, 2018
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is facing an affordable housing crisis and the City needs to foster bold, innovative, and most importantly aggressive strategies to provide affordable housing; and
WHEREAS: In January 2015, the City Council unanimously approved an order of setting a goal of the creation of 1,000 new affordable units by 2020 and the City Manager’s report back on the feasibility of this goal acknowledged the need for “new tools” to help the City achieve this goal; and
WHEREAS: Housing Cooperatives (Co-ops) have been utilized in other cities to provide affordable housing; and
WHEREAS: Single-Room Occupancies (SROs) are an essential component of the City’s affordable housing stock and these forms of housing are increasingly scarce; and
WHEREAS: Currently the waiting list for an SRO through the Cambridge Housing Authority is 1,920 people which is a 55% increase from the 1,235 people in 2017; and
WHEREAS: SROs/Co-ops could provide transitional housing options Cambridge residents, veterans, the homeless, immigrants, seniors who have been displaced and starter apartments for young adults; and
WHEREAS: Zoning regulations have made the purchase of these single-family homes to be converted to SROs/Co-ops not feasible in certain neighborhoods which do not provide any affordable housing; and
WHEREAS: Affordable housing opportunities leads to a more socio-economic diverse community; and
WHEREAS: A stated mission of the Affordable Housing Trust is the protection and the expansion of affordable housing opportunities; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Department of Community Development to compile a list of single-family and/or multi-family homes available on the market in Residential A1, A2, and B zones; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Affordable Housing Trust to aggressively bid on these properties; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Executive Director of the Cambridge Housing Authority and the Department of Housing and Community Development on what grants could be utilized to purchase these buildings; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to further confer with the Executive Director of Cambridge Housing Authority on the feasibility of providing project based housing vouchers for these units and compiling a list of non-profits that the Cambridge Housing Authority could rent to; and be it further
ORDERED: That this matter be referred to the Housing Committee.
APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Morris Naggar, requesting permission for a projecting sign at the premises numbered 585 Massachusetts Avenue. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and abutter.
Order Adopted
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Hasson Rashid, regarding adding information the City Council Agenda.
2. A communication was received from Carol O'Hare, 172 Magazine Street, regarding Central Square Overlay District.
3. A communication was received from Milan Vit, 1 Craigie Street, regarding gas powered blowers.
4. A communication was received from Andrew McFarland, regarding livable Streets.
5. A communication was received from Wendy Landman, WalkBoston, regarding support for Central Square Super LPI.
6. A communication was received from Tracy Walton, regarding bicycling in Cambridge.
7. A communication was received from Annie Michaelis, 175 Richdale Avenue, regarding opposition to the proposed moratorium on development at Alewife.
8. A communication was received from Sara Sigel, regarding no to Alewife moratorium on development.
9. A communication was received from Robert J. La Tremouille, regarding protecting the environment.
10. A communication was received from Carol O'Hare, 172 Magazine Street, regarding Planning Board members.
11. A communication was received from Joan Squeri, regarding opposition of the moratorium on development at Alewife.
12. A communication was received from Saul Tannenbaum, 16 Cottage Street, regarding Upgrade Cambridge calls for universal access to a neutral internet.
13. A communication was received from Ira Nichols-Barrer, 175 Richdale Avenue, regarding opposing a moratorium on Alewife development.
14. A communication was received from Jane Park, 2 Crawford Street, requesting the City Manager work with Trinity Property Management to give the 200 tenants of the EMF building additional time to find additional space.
15. A communication was received from Lance Tobin, 180 Telford Street, Brighton, in support of Policy Order # 11 relating to the EMF building.
16. A communication was received from Melissa Nilles, 139 Elm Street, Somerville, regarding the eviction of tenants from the EMF building.
17. A communication was received from Madeleine Weaver, 68 Harvest Street, requesting that the City Council put into practice its support for the arts as it relates to the EMF building.
18. A communication was received from Jonathan Glancy, 118 Norfolk Street, in support of Policy Order # 11 as it relates to the EMF building.
19. A communication was received from Sophia Belle (Grogan), 110 Brookline Street, in support of Policy Order # 11 and that EMF has felt like a home to her as an artist.
20. A communication was received from Jessica Baggia, 255 Broadway, a tenant in the EMF building and support for Policy Order # 11.
21. A communication was received from Zaza A. Shamsedin, 25 Lynwood Avenue, Somerville, regarding the ripple effect the EMF building closing will have on the community.
22. A communication was received from Grif Peterson, 20 Clary Street, in support of Policy Order # 9 relating to the visit of the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia to Cambridge.
23. A communication was received from Edward Woll, Jr., 79 Dana Street, regarding City Manager’s Agenda Item # 10 relating to Inman Square.
24. A communication was received from James Williamson, 1000 Jackson Place, regarding Policy Order # 9 relating to the visit to Harvard and MIT by the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia.
25. A communication was received from William Desmond, 8 Lands End Lane, Sandwich, in support of Policy Order # 11 relating to the EMF building.
26. A communication was received from Linnea Herzog, 32 Stone Avenue, Somerville, relating to the tremendous contributions that the artistic community provides to the City.
27. A communication was received from Josh Sarro, 769 Cambridge Street, in support of Policy Order # 11 and the impact the closing of the EMF building has on the City.
28. A communication was received from Ben Simon, 67 Bishop Allen Drive, regarding the negative impact the EMF evictions will have on the artistic community.
29. A communication was received from Steve Onderick, 67 Bristol Street, urging the City Council to defend the lives of those who work and live in Cambridge in supporting the artistic community.
30. A communication was received from Anna Rae, 118 Norfolk Street, read by Chloe Green, regarding the EMF evictions of 200 tenants.
31. A communication was received from Anthony Galluccio, Esquire, read by Mayor McGovern, with an update on 10 Church Street.
32. An unidentified communication received regarding reducing the potential for ongoing creative spaces will create a cultural vacuum in the Cityscape.
33. A communication was received from William Frese, 15 Channel Center, Boston, requesting that the City Manager work with Trinity Property Management to postpone the eviction deadline for the tenants of the EMF building.
RESOLUTIONS
1. That the City Council welcome representatives of Equipo Maíz, CRIPDES, and US-El Salvador Sister Cities to Cambridge and salutes these organizations for over three decades of sisterhood, solidarity and struggle for the empowerment of the rural communities. Mayor McGovern
2. Congratulations to Deputy Superintendent Rob Lowe on his recent graduation from the FBI National Academy program. Councillor Zondervan
3. Resolution on the death of John "Jackie" Graham. Councillor Toomey
4. Congratulations Dr. Maria McCauley on her election to the American Library Association Executive Board. Councillor Mallon
5. Congratulations Laura Jasinski on her appointment as Executive Director of the Charles River Conservancy. Councillor Mallon
6. Celebration of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week and thanks to the men and women who give their time to this vital role as the first, first responders to every emergency. Mayor McGovern
7. Resolution on the death of Reginald M. Camplese. Councillor Toomey
8. Resolution on the death of Augusto Andrade. Councillor Toomey
9. Resolution on the death of Reverend Dennis Dever. Councillor Toomey
10. Congratulations to the cast and crew of the North Cambridge Family Opera Company on the production of Weedpatch: Hardship, Laughter, and Song in Dustbowl-era California. Councillor Siddiqui
11. Retirement of Diane Bongiorno from the Community Development Department. Councillor Toomey
12. Congratulations to the cast and crew of The CRLS Spring Play, The Light She Gave. Councillor Siddiqui
13. Speedy recovery wishes to Lenora Pedro. Councillor Siddiqui
14. Congratulations to Peter Smillie on the successful defense of his PhD thesis. Councillor Siddiqui
15. Resolution on the death of Reverend John Francis O'Donnell. Councillor Toomey
16. Resolution on the death of James Monagle's mother Kathleen M. Monagle. Councillor Simmons
17. Thanks to Adrienne Benton. Councillor Simmons
18. Congratulations to Tony Reed. Councillor Simmons
19. Congratulations to National Black Marathoners Association. Councillor Simmons
ORDERS
1. That the City Council proclaim Apr 2-8, 2018 as Cambridge Public Health Week in appreciation of the extensive work on the part of the public and private sectors in the city to promote healthy living, prevent disease and injury, and respond to threats to our well-being. Mayor McGovern
Order Adopted
2. That the Executive Assistant to the City Council confer with the Dedication Committee for a sign dedication in honor of Rosalind O'Sullivan in the vicinity of the Fletcher Maynard Academy. Councillor Mallon
Order Adopted
3. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City personnel to place a commemorative plaque at eye-level at the plaza in Harvard Square dedicated to former judge, Mayor, and City Manager Joseph DeGuglielmo so that it is more prominent to pedestrians. Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey
Order Adopted
4. That the City Council encourage residents to be more conscious of their water consumption during the month of April, to take steps to reduce storm water runoff on their own property, to prevent polluted runoff from entering our water system, and to find time to engage with our natural areas. Mayor McGovern, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan
Order Adopted
5. City Council support of House Bill 3857, “An Act providing tax relief for rent-burdened individuals and families." Councillor Carlone, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Siddiqui
Order Adopted
6. That the City Manager is requested to consult with the Law Department, Community Development Department and any other appropriate City departments regarding the feasibility of requiring property owners to give the City written notice when a storefront becomes vacant, including plans for finding a new tenant and keeping the premises tidy and in compliance with all applicable codes to mitigate any negative effects or safety concerns on the neighborhood. Councillor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Mallon, Mayor McGovern
Order Adopted as Amended
7. City Council support of S. 2347, "An Act to protect animal welfare and safety in cities and towns (PAWS II)." Mayor McGovern
Order Adopted
8. That the City Manager is requested to notify the owners of the former Harvard Square Theater that the City Council has requested that they provide a firm schedule for when they will submit their application to the Cambridge Historical Commission and begin the public engagement process along with a projected timeline for the rest of the process through completion of the project, once the necessary permits are granted. Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Carlone
Order Adopted
9. That the City Council go on record in opposition to the oppressive policies of Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) and Saudi Arabia. Councillor Zondervan
Order Adopted
10. City Council support of Massachusetts Resolve H. 4159: "Resolve creating a task force on sexual misconduct climate surveys for colleges and universities in Massachusetts." Councillor Mallon, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons
Order Adopted
11. That the City Manager is requested to work with Trinity Property Management to give the nearly 200 tenants of the EMF building additional time beyond Apr 30, 2018 to find new space, considering the unique circumstances and outsized impact of this eviction. Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Carlone
Order Adopted as Amended (Toomey - NO)
12. That the City Manager is requested to allow autonomous vehicle (AV) testing in Cambridge provided certain conditions are met. Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux
Order Adopted as Amended
13. Muriel Turk Day. Councillor Simmons
Order Adopted
COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM OTHER CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Councillor Craig Kelley, transmitting information on the use of a Councillor Activity and Interest Board.
Referred to Gov't Operations
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Apr 2
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, Apr 5
3:00pm The City Council will hold a Special Meeting, to discuss policy and regulatory considerations related to the opening of cannabis adult-use retail stores and businesses in Cambridge. This meeting will be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 9
5:30pm City Council will hold a Roundtable/Working Meeting for the purpose of discussing the draft version of the Climate Change Preparedness and Resilience Plan for Alewife. This meeting will be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Apr 10
5:00pm Housing Committee (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Apr 11
3:00pm The Transportation and Public Utilities Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss topics related to the MBTA bus service, including Cambridge’s participation in the upcoming MBTA Service Plan, a brief update on upcoming pilot projects of dedicated bus lanes and transit signal prioritization, and a brief update on the upcoming construction of the bus tunnels in the Harvard Square MBTA station. (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, Apr 12
4:00pm The Public Safety Committee will conduct a public hearing to review the Mayor’s Special Advisory Committee on Neighborhood Based Resiliency. (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Apr 17
2:00pm The Public Safety Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss a proposed surveillance ordinance. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 23
5:30pm City Council Meeting & Budget Overview (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Apr 25
4:00pm The Public Safety Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss marijuana laws, education and enforcement. (Ackermann Room)
Mon, Apr 30
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, May 1
9:00am Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the FY2019 City Budget. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 7
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, May 8
9:00am Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the FY2019 City Budget. (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, May 9
6:00pm Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the FY2019 School Department Budget. (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, May 10
9:00am Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the FY2019 City Department Budget - if needed (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 14
4:00pm 2018 City of Cambridge Scholarship Awards Ceremony. This ceremony to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, May 15
5:00pm Housing Committee (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 21
5:30pm City Council Meeting & Budget Adoption (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 4
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 11
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 18
TBD 2018 Volunteer Awards Ceremony (Sullivan Chambers)
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 25
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, July 30
5:30pm Special City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Apr 2, 2018
MAYOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that National Public Health Week is celebrated across the country from Apr 2–8 with an ongoing focus on making the United States the healthiest nation in one generation; and
WHEREAS: All people deserve the opportunity to live long, healthy and productive lives, but in the U.S. today, significant and life-threatening disparities in health care access, disease burden, premature death, and infant mortality persist across our communities and between neighborhoods only a few miles apart; this is unacceptable in a country as wealthy and medically advanced as ours; and
WHEREAS: Recognizing the value of a strong public health system, Cambridge has made substantial investments in public health, health care, and other initiatives that prevent illness from occurring in the first place—when Cambridge received the inaugural Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Prize in 2013, the city became part of a national movement to change how communities think about health; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge has moved toward a model in which local government and the community are genuine partners in improving health; this spirit of collaboration is evidenced in the city’s Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), now in its third year of implementation, in which people from many different sectors came together to develop strategies to identify the city’s major health needs and develop feasible solutions; and
WHEREAS: Over 30 city agencies and organizations are making tangible progress in the four CHIP health priority areas for the city: mental health and substance abuse; violence; healthy, safe, and affordable housing; and healthy eating and active living; and
WHEREAS: Despite the challenges ahead, Cambridge will continue to make significant inroads in improving the health and well-being of all residents; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record as proclaiming Apr 2–8, 2018, as Cambridge Public Health Week in appreciation of the extensive work on the part of the public and private sectors in the city to promote healthy living, prevent disease and injury, and respond to threats to our well-being; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Claude-Alix Jacob, Chief Public Health Officer at the Cambridge Public Health Department, on behalf of the entire City Council.
O-2 Apr 2, 2018
COUNCILLOR MALLON
ORDERED: That the Executive Assistant to the City Council confer with the Dedication Committee to consider the request from Councillor Alanna Mallon for a sign dedication in honor of Rosalind O’Sullivan in the vicinity of the Fletcher Maynard Academy; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward this order to the Dedication Committee for their review and approval.
O-3 Apr 2, 2018
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate City personnel to place a commemorative plaque at eye-level at the plaza in Harvard Square dedicated to former judge, Mayor, and City Manager Joseph DeGuglielmo so that it is more prominent to pedestrians, and to report back on this matter to the City Council in a timely manner.
O-4 Apr 2, 2018
MAYOR MCGOVERN
VICE MAYOR DEVEREUX
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge continues to explore ways to conserve water consumption in the City, promote green infrastructure, and inspire residents to connect with and care for our natural resources; and
WHEREAS: The month of April is designated as Earth Month, with environmental activities and educational efforts taking place throughout the month to encourage responsible consumption, conservation efforts, and resilient planning; and
WHEREAS: In addition to those other ongoing efforts, Cambridge is joining cities across the country in the Wyland Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation, Apr 1-30, which aims to inspire residents and neighboring communities to pledge to reduce their impact on the environment and to see immediate savings in their water, trash, and electricity bills; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record encouraging residents to be more conscious of their water consumption during the month of April, to take steps to reduce storm water runoff on their own property, to prevent polluted runoff from entering our water system, and to find time to engage with our natural areas.
O-5 Apr 2, 2018
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
VICE MAYOR DEVEREUX
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: House Bill 3857 entitled ”An Act Providing Tax Relief for Rent-Burdened Individuals and Families”; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge representatives Marjorie Decker and David Rogers are sponsors of the house bill; and
WHEREAS: House Bill 3857 was reported favorably out of the House Revenue Committee and currently sits in the House Ways and Means Committee; and
WHEREAS: Massachusetts taxpayers may currently claim an income tax deduction for rent paid in a year, but the deduction amount has not been increased since 2001; and
WHEREAS: House Bill 3857 increases the deduction amount by adjusting for inflation, restricts eligibility to taxpayers who earn no more than 100% of the Area Median Income (AMI), and indexes the deduction to inflation; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record in support of House Bill 3857, “An Act Providing Tax Relief for Rent-Burdened Individuals and Families”; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this order to the Cambridge State Legislative Delegation on behalf of the entire City Council.
HOUSE . . . . . . . No. 3857
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
______________________________________
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Aug 3, 2017.The committee on Revenue to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1535) of Kevin G. Honan and others relative to the tax deduction for rental payments, reports recommending that the accompanying bill (House, No. 3857) ought to pass [Representative Durant of Spencer dissents].
For the committee,
JAY R. KAUFMAN.FILED ON: 7/27/2017
HOUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 3857
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
_______________In the One Hundred and Ninetieth General Court
(2017-2018)
_______________An Act providing tax relief for rent-burdened individuals and families.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
SECTION 1. Subsection (a) of Part B of section 3 of chapter 62 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2016 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out subparagraph (9) and inserting in place thereof the following subparagraph:-
(9) In the case of an individual who pays rent for his principal place of residence and such residence is located in the commonwealth, an amount equal to 50 per cent of such rent; provided, however, that such deduction shall not exceed $4,100 for a single person, for a person that qualifies as a head of household under section 2(b) of the Code, or for a married couple, increased by an amount equal to the deduction limit multiplied by the cost-of-living adjustment for the calendar year in which the taxable year begins; provided further, that the household income of eligible taxpayers shall not exceed 100 per cent of the area median income, as defined by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. For the purposes of this subparagraph, the term “cost-of-living adjustment” means, for any calendar year, the percentage, if any, by which the consumer price index for the preceding calendar year exceeds the consumer price index, as defined in section 1 of the Code, for calendar year 2017. The commissioner shall adopt regulations necessary for the implementation of this subparagraph.
SECTION 2. This act shall apply to taxable years beginning on or after Jan 1, 2018.
O-6 Apr 2, 2018 Amended
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR DEVEREUX
COUNCILLOR MALLON
MAYOR McGOVERN
WHEREAS: Vacant or unoccupied first floor retail is detrimental to the City’s goals of supporting thriving retail districts and visibly inhibits the feeling of an activated streetscape; and
WHEREAS: Storefronts left in disarray have a negative impact on the neighborhood, other businesses in the area, and on the sidewalk/public space in front of the vacant or unoccupied property; and
WHEREAS: Various business associations and members of the Economic Development and University Relations Committee are in agreement that addressing the outward appearance of vacant and/or unoccupied storefronts is a necessary step towards activating our streets and mitigating the negative impact of properties left empty; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the Law Department, Community Development Department and any other appropriate City departments regarding the feasibility of requiring property owners to give the City written notice when a storefront becomes vacant, including plans for finding a new tenant and keeping the premises tidy and in compliance with all applicable codes to mitigate any negative effects or safety concerns on the neighborhood; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the Economic Development and University Relations Committee in a timely manner in June with recommendations.
O-7 Apr 2, 2018
MAYOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: The Massachusetts State Senate passed S. 2347, “An Act to Protect Animal Welfare and Safety in Cities and Towns (PAWS II),” by a unanimous vote on Mar 15, 2018, and was referred to the House Ways and Means Committee; and
WHEREAS: PAWS II expands protections for animal safety and welfare enacted in 2014, and includes provisions to ensure efficient enforcement of animal control laws; prohibit the drowning of wild and domestic animals; and prevent the automatic killing of animals used in fighting; and
WHEREAS: Crucially, PAWS II recognizes the link between animal abuse and other types of violence and abuse, and requires Department of Children and Families employees or contractors, the Department of Elder Affairs investigators, and Disabled Persons Protection Commission investigators to report animal abuse during their home visits, and inversely, all animal control officers to report any child abuse, elder abuse, and abuse against disabled persons that they observe; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record in support for S. 2347, “An Act to Protect Animal Welfare and Safety in Cities and Towns,” and encourages the House Ways and Means Committee to make timely progress in bringing this bill to a vote; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to the members of Cambridge’s Legislative Delegation and the members of the House Ways and Means Committee on behalf of the entire City Council.
O-8 Apr 2, 2018
VICE MAYOR DEVEREUX
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
WHEREAS: The City Council adopted a Policy Order on Feb 27, 2017, asking that the City Manager contact the owners of the Harvard Square Theater property and requesting that they respond with their long-term plans for the property; and
WHEREAS: The City Manager responded on Aug 7, 2017, and reported that the owners had announced their conceptual plans for the space on May 31, 2017, at a by-invitation event, where they indicated that the existing building would be demolished and replaced with a new structure that would include office space, a central courtyard, ground floor retail and a two-screen movie theater in the lower level; and
WHEREAS: No further information has been made available, and it has been ten months since this conceptual plan was presented and almost six years since the theater was vacated, with the large empty space negatively affecting the other businesses around Church Street; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to notify the owners of the former Harvard Square Theater that the City Council has requested that they provide a firm schedule for when they will submit their application to the Cambridge Historical Commission and begin the public engagement process along with a projected timeline for the rest of the process through completion of the project, once the necessary permits are granted; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council as soon as possible with the property owner's response to this request and with any available information about the projected timeline for this project and any other factors to consider in planning for the project's impact on this portion of Harvard Square.
O-9 Apr 2, 2018
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman (MbS), recently came to Cambridge in order to visit the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University as part of a national tour of the country; and
WHEREAS: According to a press release from the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, the visit was focused on “nurturing ties between the private sector and academia of the two nations”; and
WHEREAS: MbS rose to power through incredibly undemocratic means which included the detainment of more than 200 princes, ministers, and businessmen as well as prominent scholars and critics; and
WHEREAS: MbS is considered the architect of Saudi Arabia’s intervention in the Yemeni Civil War, which has resulted in one of the largest humanitarian crises on the entire planet; and
WHEREAS: Saudi Arabia is one of the most repressive regimes in the Middle East, particularly towards women and religious minorities, and while MbS has introduced some minor reforms (e.g. allowing women to drive), he has not shown any intentions to truly liberate the country; and
WHEREAS: Saudi Arabia continues to rely on selling oil as the basis for its economy, despite the clear and present danger of climate change to the entire planet, and uses the wealth it derives from oil sales to purchase weapons and wage war; and
WHEREAS: MIT and Harvard University typically allow for more dialogue and discussion when controversial figures come to campus, yet MbS’s visit was shrouded in an unusual level of secrecy; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in opposition to the oppressive policies of MbS and Saudi Arabia; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record stating its disappointment at the manner in which the visit was handled by Harvard and MIT; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to the President of Harvard University, the President of MIT, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on behalf of the entire City Council.
O-10 Apr 2, 2018
COUNCILLOR MALLON
VICE MAYOR DEVEREUX
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Sexual assault on college and university campuses is an epidemic that affects 1 in 5 women and 1 in 16 men; and
WHEREAS: Despite these large numbers, sexual assault remains one of the most widely underreported crimes, with estimates that only 10% of victims will ever report to authorities; and
WHEREAS: This underreporting and lack of knowledge is its own policy problem, which prompted the creation of a 2014 White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault, which recommended that colleges and universities implement a Campus Climate Survey as a first step to gather information and concrete data about this problem; and
WHEREAS: An anonymous climate survey would be particularly helpful in viewing both statewide and campus specific trends over time, identifying areas in which schools could provide more resources, and giving survivors and their allies a confidential but powerful platform to speak about their experiences; and
WHEREAS: This legislative term, Representative Lori Ehrlich re-introduced Massachusetts Resolve H.4159, "Resolve creating a task force on sexual misconduct climate surveys for colleges and universities in Massachusetts"; and
WHEREAS: Representative Ehrlich was joined by 20 co-sponsors, including members of the Cambridge delegation Representatives Marjorie Decker and David Rogers; and
WHEREAS: The Bill currently sits in the House Ways and Means Committee after being voted favorably out of the Joint Committee on Higher Education; and
WHEREAS: In support of this bill, students and alumni from over 17 different campuses have formed an organization called Every Voice Coalition, which has collected signatures in support of the bill from over 4,000 Massachusetts college students; and
WHEREAS: On a national level, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos’s rollback of the Obama Administration’s Title IX protections relating to the prevention of assault and support of survivors prompts a need for state involvement; and
WHEREAS: As home to three institutions of higher education, the City of Cambridge should be supportive of any steps taken that either improve a survivor’s experience in the reporting process or prevent sexual assault altogether; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in support of Massachusetts Resolve H.4159, "Resolve creating a task force on sexual misconduct climate surveys for colleges and universities in Massachusetts"; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to the Cambridge Legislative Delegation, Ways and Means Chairman Jeffrey Sanchez, and Every Voice Coalition on behalf of the entire City Council.
O-11 Apr 2, 2018 Amended
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
VICE MAYOR DEVEREUX
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
WHEREAS: The building located at 110-120 Brookline St in Cambridgeport (the so-called “EMF” building) was recently purchased by Ledgemoor, LLC and is managed by Trinity Property Management, Inc. (Trinity), both owned and operated by John DiGiovanni; and
WHEREAS: Trinity has given all current tenants of the building an eviction notice, effective Apr 30, 2018; and
WHEREAS: The building is currently used as a multipurpose arts space by nearly 200 different artists, encompassing many different uses including practice and performance space for both amateur and professional musicians, recording studios, mixing and mastering studios, an arts studio, music lessons, and the “Gifted Voice” program which aims to give free voice lessons to underprivileged youth to help them realize their full potential; and
WHEREAS: Tenants were initially told that safety concerns were behind the evictions, yet the Cambridge Fire Department has confirmed that there are no fire code violations currently issued and the Inspectional Services Department has not issued any violations or expressed any concerns about the building being occupied that would necessitate an eviction; and
WHEREAS: Artist spaces require special configurations in order to comply with local noise ordinances and other regulations, and it is challenging for the displaced artists to find new space which adequately complies and meets the needs of their craft on such short notice, thereby jeopardizing their careers and their livelihood; and
WHEREAS: The EMF building has long been considered a treasure within the region’s arts community and was the only building of its kind and versatility remaining within Cambridge city limits; and
WHEREAS: Nearby Central Square is one of just 43 designated arts and cultural districts in the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS: Many of the displaced artists are having to consider options outside of Cambridge, thereby jeopardizing our community’s standing as a welcoming place for artists and the resulting economic, cultural and financial benefits that accrue to our city from a thriving artist community; and
WHEREAS: Community accountability should be a priority of developers and property management companies who routinely conduct business within city limits; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with Trinity Property Management to give the nearly 200 tenants of the EMF building additional time beyond Apr 30, 2018 to find new space, considering the unique circumstances and outsized impact of this eviction; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Community Development Department to assist the displaced tenants in locating alternative spaces in or near Central Square, to the extent that staff are aware of any potential alternatives; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager direct the Community Development Department staff to identify and aggressively pursue opportunities to create and preserve artist spaces, including (but not limited to) the current site of the MIT Museum, the vacant city-owned building at 105 Windsor Street, 884 Main St. owned by MIT, or any other such opportunities that may become available in the future and explore the feasibility of purchasing the EMF building and preserve it for artist space; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter no later than Apr 23, 2018.
O-12 Apr 2, 2018 Amended
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
VICE MAYOR DEVEREUX
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that City officials are considering permitting autonomous vehicle (AV), aka “self-driving cars” testing on city streets, as part of a regional AV testing structure that is being developed by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council and the Metropolitan Mayors Coalition of Greater Boston, in coordination with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the Governor’s Office; and
WHEREAS: A pedestrian in Arizona was killed by an AV operated by Uber on Mar 18, 2018, the first such fatality on record; and
WHEREAS: Preliminary information suggests that Uber was testing the modified Volvo with its built-in safety features turned off, and with only a single test driver who appears to have been distracted just prior to the crash; and
WHEREAS: Waymo, nuTonomy, Optimus Ride and Delphi (renamed Aptiv), have lodged millions of miles of AV testing in cities across the world, including Boston, with a stellar safety record; and
WHEREAS: Recent traffic fatality data indicates that the fatality rate has increased in recent years despite a decline in vehicle ownership and significant improvements in vehicle safety technology including collision avoidance, automatic braking, and adaptive cruise control; and
WHEREAS: There are no clear federal or state guidelines for allowing AV testing on public roads; and
WHEREAS: There is considerable potential to reduce pedestrian and bicycle collisions and fatalities through the use of AV technology; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to allow AV testing in Cambridge, provided the following conditions are met and that these conditions do not conflict with the requirements of the testing process created through the regional AV testing structure noted above:
• There shall be two test drivers per vehicle at all times
• Vehicles will obey all posted and specified speed limits at all times, including the recently enacted 20 MPH safety zones
• Companies will submit all data collected in Cambridge upon request, including but not limited to: video, LIDAR, radar and other sensor data, route travelled, average speed, deceleration and acceleration events, and any other data that could help us evaluate their safety and suitability for continued testing in Cambridge
• Companies will submit a written statement outlining off-road testing conducted to date and full description of safety-features of the vehicles being tested, including collision avoidance and automatic braking, as well as full description of test driver qualifications and training; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager and his staff work to have these conditions included in the requirements of the testing process created through the regional AV testing structure noted above, to the extent possible and appropriate; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to promptly report back to the City Council on this matter, and on a regular basis, including anytime a new company applies to test AV in Cambridge, and the requirements in force at that time.
O-13 Apr 2, 2018
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
RESOLVED: That the City Council formally goes on record in declaring April 2, 2018 to be Muriel Turk Day in the City of Cambridge, in honor of Muriel Turk’s 100th Birthday; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Muriel Turk on behalf of the entire City Council.
AWAITING REPORT LIST
16-26. Report on the possibility of the City Council implementing a zoning change, on the permitting of all new restaurants where a wood-fired oven is used as a significant method of food preparation. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Devereux, Councillor Kelley (O-5) from 4/4/2016
16-42. Report on plans for the former Riverside Community Health Center on Western Avenue, including transfer of ownership of the building to the City and the process for determining future usage. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Vice Mayor McGovern (O-1) from 5/2/2016
16-83. Report on drafting possible legislation and other recommendations for interim actions to identify and address the public health impacts of any commercial wood-fired ovens. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Mayor Simmons (Calendar Item #4) from 10/31/2016
16-101. Report on the potential of building below market rental housing on City-owned parking lots along Bishop Allen Drive. On a communication from Councillor McGovern requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Vice Mayor McGovern, Mayor Simmons (O-4) from 12/12/2016
16-108. Report on whether people displaced and qualify for Emergency Status who are using Section 8 in other cities or towns can retain their resident preference for the purpose of Inclusionary Housing. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey (O-4) from 12/19/2016
17-22. Report on the potential growth of next-generation wireless technology in the City, to include: the expected footprint of citywide coverage from just one company and what market competition might produce; the integration of public and private infrastructure to support the network; what local standards the City might hope to maintain relative to aesthetics and safety; and how this new technology fits into our Broadband access plans. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor Devereux, Councillor Kelley (O-14) from 2/27/2017
17-33. Report on bringing Massachusetts closer to 100% renewable energy by 2035, and ensure that the benefits of renewable energy are realized by Massachusetts residents from all walks of life and supporting a goal of using 100% clean and renewable energy in Cambridge, including in building energy use and transportation, by 2035. On a communication from Councillor Devereux requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Councillor Devereux, Vice Mayor McGovern (O-13) from 4/24/2017
17-53. Report on determining if new facilities are needed by either DPW or CFD to best carry out their respective missions in the future and, if so, what type of facilities they would need and how much space that would require and where they might possibly be located. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Toomey (O-7) from 6/26/2017
17-60. Report on the feasibility of making the section of Kinnaird Street between River Street and Western Avenue into a one-way. Referred back to the City Manager to arrange community meeting on motion of Vice Mayor McGovern on Nov 13, 2017 . On a communication from Councillor McGovern requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Vice Mayor McGovern, Mayor Simmons (O-4) from 8/7/2017
17-70. Report on the status of the City’s plans to review and possibly implement a municipal Broadband system. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Councillor Kelley (O-22) from 8/8/2017
17-71. Report on a proposal to design, fund and implement a bike and electric personal vehicle transportation study to provide the City with a comprehensive explanation of who is going where, why and under what conditions via bike or personal electric vehicle. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Councillor Kelley (O-23) from 8/7/2017
17-77. Report on the intersection of Cedar Street and Rindge Avenue with the goal of clarifying traffic patterns through the intersection. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Councillor Kelley (O-6) from 9/11/2017
17-82. Report on possible solutions to regulatory or legislative gaps on the local or state level that would help clarify how emerging types of conveyances can most safely and effectively be incorporated into Cambridge’s Urban Mobility planning and infrastructure investments. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor Devereux, Councillor Kelley (O-15) from 9/11/2017
17-87. Report on a schedule for resubmitting a revised draft of the Outdoor Lighting Ordinance that incorporates clearer wording and/or more clearly explains each section in less technical jargon and is more coherent in its entirety, with the goal of seeing such an Ordinance adopted by the end of this City Council term. On a communication from Councillor Kelley and Councillor Devereux requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Devereux (O-8) from 9/18/2017
17-110. Report on the status of the implementation of the EnerGov software across various City departments to streamline the permitting process. On a communication from Councillor Devereux requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Sessions.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor Devereux, Councillor Mazen (O-5) from 10/16/2017
18-4. Report on exploring mechanisms for achieving greater levels of snow clearing by the city and increase the public response during major snow events or heavy snow winters.
Councillor Zondervan, Mayor McGovern, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-5) from 1/22/2018
18-5. Report on contacting Sira Naturals for the purpose of gathering information regarding sales figures, customer demographics, and other relevant operational information.
Councillor Mallon (O-6) from 1/22/2018
18-6. Report on information regarding electronic device usage by City-elected officials.
Councillor Toomey (O-7) from 1/22/2018
18-7. Report on the possibility of changing the snow removal exemption to include two and three-family houses.
Councillor Toomey (O-1) from 1/29/2018
18-9. Report on necessary repairs to the Gold Star Mothers Park and all play and water feature, including drainage issues, with an eye towards mitigating the impacts of local construction and the development of a plan with the community for improving this significant piece of open space.
Councillor Mallon, Councillor Toomey (O-3) from 1/29/2018
18-10. Report on creating a list of mitigated meeting and conference room private spaces that are available to the public, what the exact eligibility of using these spaces is, and making the list available to the public.
Councillor Toomey (O-5) from 1/29/2018
18-11. Report on the potential of utilizing trenchless technology, micro tunneling and/or pipe jacking to lessen the time and impact on the residents of Gore Street.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Mallon (O-6) from 1/29/2018
18-12. Report on maximizing the community benefits from and mitigating the impacts of the Cambridge Crossing sewer construction.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Toomey (O-8) from 1/29/2018
18-13. Report on efforts to expand the number of electric vehicle charging stations, the feasibility of appropriately placing electric vehicle chargers on residential streets where there is need, the status of possible City fleet replacement to electric vehicles, expanded outreach and education on available rebates and incentive programs, and the feasibility of requiring developers to include a greater number of electric vehicle charging stations in new or substantially renovated multi-unit buildings.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan (Calendar Item #1) from 1/29/2018
18-14. Report on whether the Community Development Department will apply for the Targeted Brownfields Assessment Grant regarding Jerry's Pond.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-1) from 2/5/2018
18-15. Report on any other relevant City Department to gain a sense of who is purchasing buildings in Cambridge.
Councillor Simmons (O-3) from 2/5/2018
18-17. Report on the current status of zoning language and public health regulations for the keeping of hens and food cultivation and proposed next steps to advance the Urban Agriculture initiative.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor McGovern (O-2) from 2/12/2018
18-20. Report on repairing Rufo Road as soon as possible.
Councillor Toomey (O-8) from 2/5/2018
18-21. Report on the feasibility of initiating a formal transit study and action plan of the Alewife area in response to unanimous concerns of the Envision Alewife Working Group.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Siddiqui (O-7) from 2/26/2018
18-22. Report on the causes of the Cambridge Common drainage problems.
Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan (O-10) from 2/26/2018
18-23. Report on why it took so long to repair the public toilet in Harvard Square and what proactive methods are being taken into consideration to prevent this interruption of service from happening again, at either the Harvard Square or the Central Square public toilet.
Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-13) from 2/26/2018
18-24. Report on what further improvements can be made to improve safety for all users of the intersections of Walden Street with Concord Avenue, Garden Street and Sherman Street.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Carlone (O-14) from 2/26/2018
18-26. Report on providing easily accessible needle safety information, to include emergency needle or syringe removal and disposal contacts, on the City’s website.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Kelley (O-19) from 2/26/2018
18-27. Report on why there continues to be significant audio and video difficulties during live internet broadcasts of City Council meetings.
Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #1) from 3/5/2018
18-29. Report on the possibility of re-evaluating the fees associated with community block parties, specifically entertainment fees for unpaid, local musicians.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Mallon, Councillor Siddiqui (O-1) from 3/5/2018
18-30. Report on the possibility of Cambridge joining this national suit against opioid manufacturers and distributors.
Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Mallon (O-3) from 3/5/2018
18-31. Report on the maintenance issues of the Harvard Square MBTA station public restroom.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Kelley (O-4) from 3/5/2018
18-32. Report on producing a document that can be presented at the City Council Housing Committee to provide a better perspective on the City's current efforts to address the housing issues facing Cambridge.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Mallon, Councillor Siddiqui (O-5) from 3/5/2018
18-33. Report on the Inman Square Reconstruction Project Timeline. See Mgr #10
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Kelley (O-6) from 3/5/2018
18-34. Report on what traffic calming measures or actions can be taken such as the installation of speed bumps, installation of crosswalk flashing lights and increased police enforcement of speed limits to discourage the speeding of vehicles along Museum Way.
Councillor Toomey (O-4) from 3/19/2018
18-35. Report on applying for a federal Opportunity Zone designation on behalf of the City of Cambridge. See Mgr #11
Councillor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Mallon, Councillor Simmons (O-8) from 3/19/2018
18-36. Report on a funding plan in place to develop and implement protective barriers for Fresh Pond for the FY2018-19 budget.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Toomey, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-12) from 3/19/2018
18-37. Report on the possibility of accepting the City of Boston's invitation to join their intergenerational housing pilot program.
Councillor Mallon, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey (O-1) from 3/26/2018
18-38. Report on inventory of all City-owned vacant buildings and lots and the City's plans for them, if any.
Councillor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Siddiqui (O-2) from 3/26/2018